A lot of buildings have been demolished here in CHCH, NZ, after the quake 23 months ago . . . over 1,000 in the CBD, and quite a few more to go.
The one pictured below is scheduled to be brought down with explosives next Sunday at 8.00 am.
It's a first for New Zealand, so the family will be up early to get a good vantage point. 63 kg of explosives will bring it down in 7.5 seconds apparently.
But here's the heartwarmer . . .
The privelege of "pushing the button" was auctioned off on-line, as a fundraiser for heritage building restoration. The auction closed at NZ$26,000 (about US$21,000) and was won by a group of 7 demolition companies working here in CHCH. They then gave the opportunity to the Child Cancer Foundation, which nominated 6 yr old Jayden Halliwell, who is being treated for kidney cancer to do the deed . . . nice huh?
The little guy was beaming at the prospect . . . what little boy wouldn't love that. His Mom said he'd remember it for the rest of his life . . . here's hoping it's a long and happy one. He's pictured in the article.
There's a lot of nice people out there . . .